MENACE Enters Early Access on Steam – Overhype’s Tactical Sci-Fi Strategy Successor to Battle Brothers

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The highly anticipated turn-based strategy game, MENACE, is now available in Early Access on Steam. Developed by Overhype Studios – the creators of the popular Battle Brothers – MENACE launched today, February 5th, letting players finally get their hands on it.

MENACE, the new game from strategy experts Hooded Horse, is a departure from their previous title, Battle Brothers. Instead of a gritty fantasy setting, MENACE takes place in the harsh environment of space. As I’ve previously shared, I was very impressed with the demo – the combat is excellent, choices feel natural, and the game is visually stunning. Like Battle Brothers, MENACE focuses on challenging but rewarding gameplay, so fans of the original will likely enjoy this new experience.

Before getting into specifics, if you want a complete assessment of whether this game is worth the excitement, check out my full review where I gave MENACE an 8.5 out of 10.

A New Frontier of Tactical Depth

I’m really excited about MENACE! You basically lead a team of marines and mercenaries from your space-based command center, the TCRN Impetus. What’s cool is it’s not just about moving infantry around on a map like some older games. This one lets you use everything – tanks, mechs, even air support – working together for a really deep and tactical experience. It feels like nothing else coming out in 2026!

The game focuses on answering emergency calls from different planets. Each mission is unique, created randomly to ensure a fresh experience every time. You’ll lead a squad, developing each leader’s skills and abilities, and trade on the black market for gear to stay ahead of an increasingly dangerous alien invasion. It all comes together really well, and the cycle of completing tactical missions, returning to base to resupply and prepare, then heading back into combat is incredibly rewarding.

What to Expect in Early Access?

Overhype Studios successfully launched Battle Brothers through Early Access, and their new game, MENACE, benefits from the guidance of Hooded Horse, a publisher known for quality releases. MENACE launches with a lot of content available right away.

  • 50+ Mission Types: Procedurally constructed operations across three distinct biomes.
  • Four Enemy Factions: Each requiring different tactical approaches to overcome.
  • Strategic Layer: Upgrade your mobile HQ, hire new leaders, and manage the logistics of a strike force in deep space.
  • A Year In Early Access: The developers plan to remain in Early Access for approximately one year, but that could be subject to change depending on player feedback.
  • What Else To Expect: Additional planets and biomes, new mission types, more squad leaders and an ever greater array of equipment, as well as the full story.

A particularly good thing about this launch is the pricing. The developers have promised they won’t raise the price, even during and after the Early Access phase, which players will definitely appreciate.

Summary: A Strategy Must-Play?

MENACE is a huge step forward for Overhype Studios. It keeps the challenging, strategic gameplay of Battle Brothers – like permanent character deaths and in-depth combat – but moves the action to a sci-fi world. Success in MENACE requires careful positioning, using cover effectively, and managing your limited resources. After playing it a lot, I can confidently say that fans of Battle Brothers will appreciate its complexity.

MENACE appears to be a must-have strategy game for both experienced and new players who enjoy challenging, turn-based gameplay. It’s shaping up to be a key title for strategy game fans this year.

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2026-02-05 17:43